Bill > H1130

This bill comprehensively enhances telehealth and digital equity provisions for patients in Massachusetts across multiple healthcare sectors. The bill defines and mandates coverage for new telehealth service types like e-consults (asynchronous provider-to-provider communications), e-visits (patient-initiated digital consultations), remote patient monitoring, and remote therapeutic monitoring services. Insurance carriers and health organizations must now cover and reimburse these services, and cannot impose stricter prior authorization requirements for telehealth services than for in-person services. The legislation also requires health plans to provide interpreter services for telehealth patients with limited English proficiency or who are deaf or hard of hearing. Critically, the bill establishes several innovative programs and task forces, including a Digital Bridge Pilot Program to support telehealth infrastructure in underserved communities, a Digital Health Navigator Tech Literacy Pilot Program to help patients access telehealth services, and two task forces investigating interstate medical practice and licensure for telehealth providers. Additionally, the bill mandates that insurance carriers develop digital health literacy programs to help patients with low technological skills effectively use telehealth platforms, including educational materials, workshops, and in-person navigation support. The overall goal is to increase healthcare access, reduce barriers for underserved populations, and create a more flexible, technology-enabled healthcare system.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1130